For this weeks BOSS series we have one of the most literal beauty bosses in the industry, Jillian Wright. I really admire woman that create, innovate and evolve. And for me Jillian Wright is the ultimate example of this. She took her skincare background as an aesthetician and spa owner and didn’t just stop after creating her skincare line, she saw a void in the marketplace and had the foresight think bigger and co-founded the Indie Beauty Expo. I went to the first Indie Beauty Expo in New York and from what it started as and to what it is today just shows the growth in this category and the outstanding need for a tradeshow like this! Plus they are taking over the world and have since expanded into LA, Berlin, Dallas and London. It’s no secret that indie beauty is one of, if not the fastest growing category in beauty and she’s a big part of making that happen and giving these small brands a chance to meet buyers, press and beauty lovers to take their business to the next level. The expo has also connected me to so many incredible brands ahem Dope Naturally, Bawdy Beauty, Raw Spirit, Love Sun Body, and so many others… Plus I always look forward to hitting on their videographer. Let’s learn from the master, here’s our interview with Jillian Wright:

1. Tell us about yourself and how you got started.

I was a spa owner and skincare expert for 18 years and relied on the unique and hard to find beauty to fill up the white space in my retail environment, which made the assortment interesting and exciting for my clients. About 10 years into my career, I decided to launch my own luxury indie skincare line. The word “trade show“ wasn’t even in my universe. I realized very quickly that in order to attract buyers and press, I needed to get out there and meet people, but didn’t know where to begin. I started doing research and wasn’t satisfied with my options. Out of frustration, I approached my then facial client Nader Naeymi-Rad and asked him if he would help me produce a show specific to independent beauty. Without any hesitation, he said yes. Six months later, we launched the Indie Beauty Expo at the Altman Building with 80 brands, all who were in the same boat as me.

First, we extended IBE to two days so there was more time for attendees to interact with exhibitors. Then we branched out to Los Angeles and Dallas, and now London in October and Berlin, March 2019, enabling more local brands, buyers, press and shoppers to participate at IBE. We then launched Beauty Independent, our digital publication, to provide a voice to all the great entrepreneurial stories out there. We then launched BeautyX, our educational and networking summits, because we saw so many brand founders stumble because they didn’t have reliable sources to help them navigate key business questions and issues. Finally, with our Retail + Buyer Relation function, we now actively help buyers find the right brands and then help those brands onboard with the retailer.

2. What inspired you/How did you become involved in the Indie Beauty community?

When we started IBE, we had a simple mission: showcase great independent brands in a way that honored the hard work and innovative spirit their founders brought to the table. That was it. After our first show, and all the feedback we received, it became clear that independent brands were going to play a big role in the future of beauty and wellness, but that there were many obstacles and unmet needs that had to be addressed. So we started to systematically go about building platform to help independent innovators succeed. I teach, lead, write and prevail, all because I didn’t have a platform to do serious business with press and retailers.

3. What is your best time management tip?

I write everything down and make sure my commitments are in my google calendar. I work hard to not overschedule myself and maintain a disciplined day to day pace. Since I live in NYC, I try very hard not to spend a lot of time in the car or public transportation, preferring to walk. The stress of traffic and commuting can be bad for productivity and creativity. Not only do I manage my schedule, but I also have manage my kids, so, getting enough sleep and preparing for tomorrow’s tasks the night before are important ways to ensure I make the best use of my time. I approach our lives as a team effort. We are in it together and this also helps my kids and husband cope with my crazy schedule. I allow myself time to process things and this is important for health and longevity.

4. What is the deal with CBD? I’ve seen incredible reports about the benefits for everything for autism to epilepsy, anxiety and muscle relief but the Internet seems conflicted on if it actually does anything dramatic for your skin or is it just a fad?

It has been proven that CDB is an effective treatment for anxiety and epilepsy, now early studies are even showing it may be used to fight cancer and slow the progression Alzheimer’s disease. Depending on the strength of the CBD product—researchers say CBD creates anti-inflammatory and pain killing effects-—using it for small aches and pains on the forearms, knees, neck or elbows, one can feel a difference racially overnight with the right blend! In beauty, it’s being used alone and coupled with other ingredients such as frankincense, Korean herbs or Vitamin C. We went from

When your BOSS rings and Crest smile get featured in The Power Issue of Marie Claire magazine!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just in case you were wondering how I start my day or combat the effects of my coffee addiction (on my teeth), it all comes down to Crest and you can read all about it on page 77 (or just look at the article above…). WORDS CAN NOT DESCRIBE WHAT THIS MEANS TO ME. I know I’ve had some big gets in my career, but this is a truly special magazine and issue for me to be apart of and to work with Crest. The only things I’m really loyal to in life are my dog, family, coffee addiction and Crest so I can’t thank them enough for this collaboration. Mint is my all time favorite flavor so no surprises that 3D White Radiant Mint is my pick on how I start and end the day — so fresh and so clean! I’m also never without their 3D Whitestrips! They have literally gotten me through every major photoshoot and are like little security blankets for my teeth.

Did I mention Kerry Washington is on the cover? It also profiles 50 incredible girl boss’ that are such inspirations, especially to budding entrepreneurs like myself. Marie Claire/Crest also did me a super solid and featured my BOSS rings as part of the feature. Do you see it? Right there in silver hanging off my leg? AHHHHHHH I’m dead!

This is the part where I retreat to my room and do an embarrassing happy dance…

Earlier this month, I got to join Laneige and one of the most BOSS babes on the planet, Olympic Gold Medalist snowboarder, Chloe Kim! Who by the way won at age 17, making her the youngest woman to win a medal. Major fan girl moment below, especially since I gave her some of our BOSS rings from the Pretty Connected Shop and she put them on! #dead, but back to Laneige, who we all came together to celebrate their 1yr anniversary at Sephora!

And what a year it’s been! Chloe blew out the candles of the dreamy LANEIGE x SEPHORA cake. It’s been an epic year for the brand, their Sleep Lip Mask wins literally every beauty award, including Glamour’s Beauty Awards which I judged and is one of my favorites! I sleep with it on and use it as my everyday balm during the day as well. It’s so smoothing, thick but not heavy and magical. My other favorite from them and Allure Best of Beauty Award winner is theWater Sleeping Mask.

The Streamys historically only honor people for their great acts and content, and Milk-Bone, who uses the hashtag #dogsaremore wanted the same recognition for our four legged friends. Fortunately, the Streamys agreed so this year for the first time ever, three outstanding dogs were nominated, and Charlie and I had the great pleasure of interviewing them! Watch the video above to see!

The nominees: We had Louboutina (@louboutinanyc), the Golden Retriever who gives hugs, Pierre (@pierry_dont_care) the loving, and oh-so-fashionable French Bulldog that volunteers as a therapy dog and Todd (@toddaz), The Hero Dog that saved his owner from a rattlesnake while on a hike. And yes, I got a hug from Louboutina!

*Win a Trip to Palm Springs!* Did I ever tell you the story of a girl who went on vacation to Palm Springs and came home with a dog? Two years ago I took a @JetBlue flight to Palm Springs✈️, stayed at the @WestinMissionHills and living in the lobby was a little doggy in need of rescuing. That trip was so magical for the mountains, nature, the sound bath, the shopping the food, town... but most of all meeting my best friend. - See where all the magic happened @VisitGreaterPS is giving away 2 @JetBlue tickets to Palm Springs +

⚡️GIVEAWAY⚡️Celebrating our @MarieClaireMag feature with a BOSS babe #giveaway from my accessories line. We’re gifting three sets of our Boss Rings to you and a friend + our water bottle chain! To enter: 1️⃣Follow @prettyconnected + @prettyconnectedshop 2️⃣ Like this photo & leave a comment 3️⃣Extra entries for tagging friends you’d like us to gift to. *contest is open to US residents and the winner will be announced via stories/comment on this post on 11/28. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. Good luck! #contest#prize#boss#bossbabe#bossring